Azhan Md Othman Named New Army Chief, Armed Forces Chief Appointment Deferred

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 31 (Bernama) -- Chief of Staff at the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) Headquarters Lt Gen Datuk Azhan Md Othman has been appointed as the 31st Army Chief, effective Jan 1, 2026.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the appointment was made in accordance with the decision of the 631st Armed Forces Council (MAT) meeting held on Nov 19 and was consented to by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia on Dec 1.

“The appointment is expected to strengthen the leadership of the Malaysian Army and enhance the operational capability of the MAF in meeting current and future defence requirements,” he said in a statement today.

Meanwhile, Mohamed Khaled said the implementation of the MAT decision to appoint Gen Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan as Chief of Defence Force has been deferred.

He said Muhammad Hafizuddeain has been directed to go on leave to facilitate investigations by the authorities into allegations that have been reported involving him.

“As such, the duties of the Chief of Defence Force will be assumed by Royal Malaysian Navy Chief Admiral Tan Sri Zulhelmy Ithnain, as announced on Dec 27,” he said.

Mohamed Khaled said the measures taken were aimed at upholding the rule of law and preserving the integrity of the MAF, while ensuring the nation’s defence preparedness remains at the highest level.

Earlier, political activist Badrul Hisham Shaharin, also known as Chegubard, alleged that a senior MAF officer was suspected of involvement in money laundering activities.

Subsequently, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed that an investigation paper has been opened under Section 17(a) of the MACC Act 2009.

-- BERNAMA